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The Snakes: Self-Titled
It is easy to tell from the opening notes of The Snakes' self-titled release that Anton Newcombe of The Brian Jonestown Massacre had a hand in making this album. While the press page states that he was the albums producer, the liner notes actually give this credit to Nic Jodoin. I think I believe the press page, because the Snakes come off as a more pop-oriented and less shoegazey, yet equally 60s-influenced Brian Jonestown Massacre. Add that to the fact that the Snakes frontman Lenny Pops used to be in The Brian Jonestown Massacre, and the similarities are undeniable in most aspects of the music particularly in the droning vocals and the slow jams, for lack of a better expression. This is not to say the Snakes havent carved their own niche in the world of West Coast rock revivalists. The album opens with a slow and instrumental pseudo-psychedelic jam that sets the albums tone, and the 60s sound sticks around on track two, Run Cherry Run, which is a nice and catchy little ditty that never quite reaches a proper climax. Tracks like, Scene From a Cadillac have a more roots rock feel to them, while others such as Dawn Once Removed have a folksy Dylan-esque touch. (The chorus of Dawn Once Removed actually borrows a little too directly from Like a Rolling Stone.) Im So Bored stands out as a track that blends all these sounds into a mid-tempo, feel-good, sing-along song. One of the strengths of this album lies in the vocals of lead singer, Lenny Pops. His voice is able to adapt to what each song needs. You can hear the Anton Newcombe drone on some tracks (Little Deaths), the folk-like story-telling of Bob Dylan on others (Dawn Once Removed), and the captivation of Lou Reed on still others (Jesuss Son). This album is not breaking new ground, but it seems that it was more likely meant to re-visit old ground, something a little too popular in rock music lately. Most current, backwards-looking rock bands find that all they have to offer is Stooges and MC5 rip-off songs that just make me wish I was listening to the Stooges and MC5 instead; the Snakes manage to put a fresh spin on old sounds, which makes me want to keep listening to the Snakes.
This album can be purchased at Insound and Bomp! Records LEFT OFF THE DIAL's Snakes page About LOTD Contact/Staff Advertise Home All content © LEFT OFF THE DIAL 2001-2005. All rights reserved. |
